I think I found the easier, off the shelf solution I was looking for in the first place!

Lutron makes a fan control module that you install in the fan canopy - replacing the RF control module. Then you install their IR addressable controller in place of the wall switch, and there you go...

[Link: lutron.com]

Looks like MIR-FQ4FMT is the package that has the canopy unit and controller, and is seems to be around $85 retail. So its not cheap, but integrated fan control from the Pronto: priceless...